Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Gear question

I have a Big Agnus air mattress that leaks. I have inflated it fully four times and held it under water in my swimming pool, but I can not find a leak. If I inflate it and stand it in the corner for several hours it slowly goes limp. My last bright idea is to use some of that green slime normally used to fix bike tube tires. Is it worth it or should I just toss it?

I actually liked it the two times it held air since I do have a bad/sore back, but it is heavier than I like.

Anyone have any thoughts?

(Oh, I've been off of my meds for about six hours now) ...................................DUG

These slow leaks can be tricky to locate. One method I've used successfully is to spray or paint areas with soapy water, apply pressure to the pad, and watch for bubbles. Dish soap makes good bubbles.

On one old Thermarest I could never find the leak. I gave up.

If/when you find the leak, I know that on Thermarests a good urethane glue works well. Seamgrip, for example. Normal bicycle patch glue. I wouldn't inject anything into the pad since it isn't empty space like a bicycle tube.

I second the soap idea, it has worked like a charm every time for me. One suggestion I would make is work a small section at a time looking for the leak. One mistake a lot of people make is spraying down the entire mattress and looking over the hole thing expecting to find it right away (needle in a haystack). Instead break up your spraying/soaping into quadrants and spend some time scouring it for that pesky hole before eliminating that area and moving to the next.

Good Luck

in my experience with *slow* leaks the culprit has always been the valve itself...

If you bought it from REI, Backcountry.com or from Big Agnes directly - exchange it. They all have 100% satisfaction guarantees. I have two and have no problem - a 0 degree for winter and a 15 degree for 3 seasons. The extra few ounces makes sleeping so much more enjoyable.

I had a similar problem with my BA a few years ago. It leaked slowly overnight because at some point I would wake up and be on the ground. I contacted BA directly and they sent out a new one even though they could not find the leak themselves. The replacement one has since been perfect.

Good Luk!

Dug,

I've had several Thermarests that have had small leaks that I couldn't fix myself. I sent them back to the company and they did it for me for a nominal fee. I think it was $10 or $15.

You might call Big Agnus and see if they can repair it for you. It would probably be cheaper than buying a new one.

All,

Thanks for all the great tips. I called REI and they said to bring it back. If they exchange it, great. If not I'll buy something else since I need it Saturday for my huge-super-secret-hike.

I'll let you know in a few hours.........................DUG

Hey DUG.. doesn't announcing that you're going on a huge-super-secret-hike... make it not so super-secret anymore???

Well there, Miss Jane Bond, WHERE is this Super Duper Secret hike? That's the secret. All will be answered Saturday via the SPOT page. It's been done before, but not by very many and NEVER broadcast live via SPOT. Whatever dull crap you might have had planned for next weekend needs to be canceled so you can spot the SPOT. (Assuming my back heals, which it better, cuz this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance). Stay tuned for more boasting and bragging as only DUG can provide....................................DUG

All,

Thanks for the great input, the problem has been solved. I called REI, they said bring it back and I did. I ponyed up a few extra bucks and got a full length Thermarest. I tried almost everything with the Big Agnus and nothing worked. I even swapped the valve with a known good one. You would think that with two people holding it completely underwater in a swimming pool, you might see a leak. I was getting ready for the inch by inch soapy water trick when I saw the "take it back" post. I thought REI was only super cool with their own branded stuff, but they looked it up in the computer and said "no problem".

I have a 3/4 thermarest that gets used 2-3 times a month by me and my son (who isn't very careful with gear) and its never leaked so I went with them again.

From REI it's only another 2 1/2 hours up to the potluck and I wanted to go SOOOOOO bad, but I think that would be a little too much, too soon on my back. I hope everyone up there is having a great time!!..................................DUG

DUG,

Whatever grand adventure your going on, I am truley envious I am sure. For the moment I am lowland locked, but itching madly to get out and up. Have a great time for all of us. And may the force be with you.

Brady

I must disagree with you here Sir... my Grand Adventure for next weekend is the bestest anyone can ever dream of... I am introducing my children and Sister to Mt. Pancake, Mt. Whitney... and Doug!!!! So.. HA!!! Beat that one Buddy!!!! Tell me.. what can be better then sharing Whitney with your own little kiddos? (Well... other then sharing it with my Mommy!!!!)

Been there, done that. The wife and son have been to LP Lake several times. When are you guys gonna be in the area? I'm hoping for a Moosie Burger Friday night as a pre SUPER adventure fuel up. Maybe if I see you I'll tell you what the super secret is...............................DUG

Hey Dug.. we're driving up Sat morning I think (Pizza Factory for dinner... yyyuummmyyyy)..

We'll be wandering around Lone Pine on Sat and then on Sunday is our day hike permits... Mt Pancake Sun morning .. hiking... then The Burger... I'll be the short one that blends in with the two kids... my sister is a tall blond (hard to miss) if you see us... flag us down!!!

This July was my first time on Whitney... next weekend will be the first for my kids and Sister... but hopefully not the last!!!

Anyways... if I dun run into ya... good luck on your Super Secret Adventure!!!!!

Check the perimeter seams. We had on like that in the field and it was maddening. What happens is the mattress is sealed until you lie and mattress starts to leak, its next to impossible to find.

They had problems with their original run but changed how they were seamed.

Therm-a-Rest is coming out with an insulated air mattress shortly.

This one would go limp in about two hours of just standing up. I took it back to REI and swapped it for a Thermarest..............................DUG